28 Jun 2005
RW Greeff acquires Industrial Solutions Ltd of Northern Ireland
As of June 1st, 2005, RW Greeff, a dedicated supplier of industrial consumables and a division of Univar NV, one of the world’s largest independent distributors of chemicals and related products and services, has acquired the business and assets of Industrial Solutions Ltd of Bangor, Northern Ireland.
Industrial Solutions are an established 3M distributor, with a total business turnover in industrial consumables approaching £1.5 million, specialising in the supply of abrasives, tapes and adhesives for industrial applications. Its customers and primary suppliers mirror RW Greeff’s and will strengthen the company’s position in the UK and its business relationship with key suppliers.
“This acquisition represents a further step in RW Greeff’s strategy to increase our market coverage in the UK and Ireland,” says Mark Hughes, Managing Director RW Greeff. “It provides us with an important base to grow our business in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Following recent investments in Eastern Europe this acquisition demonstrates Univar’s desire to grow the RW Greeff business and establish it as a major player in Europe.”
For the time being Industrial Solutions will continue to operate under its own name, as an RW Greeff managed business. Jed Shirley has been appointed Business Manager for Industrial Solutions. He will work closely with the sales and operations staff of Industrial Solutions to further develop the business on both sides of the border.
Reader enquiries
Univar EMEA
Thames House, Gogmore Lane
Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 9AP
United Kingdom
Notes for editors
Industrial Solutions
Industrial Solutions was formed in 1985 as the adhesive tapes distribution division of Simms & Young Limited, at the time Northern Irelands leading traffic sign manufacturer, to supply industrial consumables. In 1990 Simms & Young acquired the 3M abrasives business of Mates of Lurgan, expanding the portfolio of products that now included 3M adhesives. In April 1999 Industrial Solutions was formed to run the distribution business. At the same time the business was moved to it present premises in Bangor, with nine employees and a turnover of £1.5 million, focusing on customers in automotive, metal fabrication, printing, electronics and the food industry.
RW Greeff
RW Greeff is a specialist division of Univar NV for the supply of industrial consumables such as lubricants, sealants & coatings, tapes, adhesives, abrasives, wipes, power tools and health & safety supplies. The company has served the UK electronics, transportation, engineering and food & beverage markets for over 125 years, establishing a culture to provide the customer with the highest quality industrial products and to deliver first class solutions and services. For more information: www.rwgreeff.co.uk.
About Univar
Univar N.V. is one of the world’s leading independent distributors of industrial chemicals and providers of related specialty services, and is a chemical distribution leader in North America and Europe, with annual sales of approximately 5 billion euro. The company serves customers in key industry sectors from a broad-based product offering sourced from the world’s foremost chemical producers. Customer sectors include amongst others; food, pharmaceuticals, personal care, natural resources, cleaning products, polymer and plastics, paints and coatings, metallurgy, textile. They are supported through an extensive network of 195 centres located throughout the USA, Canada and 14 European countries. For more information: www.univarcorp.com and www.univareurope.com.
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RW Greeff has acquired Industrial Solutions Ltd of Bangor, Northern Ireland, an established 3M distributor specialising in the supply of abrasives, tapes and adhesives for industrial applications.
Editorial enquiries
Mark Hughes
Univar EMEA
Peter Ibes
EMG